Fuel Consumption
We're getting very favorable reports of economical performance from BARTENDER owners. As more new BARTENDERS are being built which utilize modern engines we're able to compare performance to other boats with the same engines. We're seeing a definite pattern of the BARTENDER being more economical to operate than many modern production boats of equal size. Sometimes as much as half the fuel consumption.

19' BARTENDER with 40 hp Honda outboard -- 2.4 gph at 18 knots.

20' Runabout BARTENDER with 120 hp Mercruiser inboard -- 2.2 gph at 15 knots, 1800 rpm.

20' Hardtop Cuddy BARTENDER with 70 hp Westerbeke gas inboard --3 gph at 15 knots, 2400 rpm.

1961 22' BARTENDER with 180 hp GM V6 inboard -- 6.5 gph at 18 knots, 2300 rpm.
Older, heavier construction with 1987 carbureted gas engine. New construction with modern engine will yield more favorable fuel consumption.

26' Sportfishing BARTENDER with 230 hp Steyr turbo diesel -- 3.5 gph at 17 knots, 2500 rpm
"                                                                                  "    -- 4.0 gph at 20 knots, 2800 rpm
"                                                                                  "    -- 5.6 gph at 23 knots, 3200 rpm

Speed
Speed with any planing boat is greatly dependent on weight. Built light, the BARTENDERS are capable of decent speeds with modest power. The boats listed below will reach 30 knots with the following engines.

19' BARTENDER -- 30 knots -- 40 hp outboard 

22' BARTENDER  -- 30 knots -- 90 hp outboard (unconfirmed top speed)

22' BARTENDER -- 30 knots -- 180 hp inboard

26' BARTENDER -- 30 knots -- 210 hp inboard

Design and Construction

The BARTENDER was a revolutionary design when it was developed in the mid-1950’s and is still as practical, popular, and stylish today as it was back then. The flared, double-ended, dory type hull, combined with the smooth riding, planing v-bottom, give the BARTENDER its’ combination of exceptional rough water performance and safety. She holds firm in low or high speeds.      You don’t need to be an experienced boat builder to build a BARTENDER, although some basic woodworking skills are recommended. A lot of fancy and expensive tools are not required either. The BARTENDERS are designed for easy construction from common materials -- marine plywood over simple wood frames.      Plans include a complete materials list and detailed instructions that lead you through every step. If any questions should arise during the construction process answers are just a phone call or e-mail away.      Build your BARTENDER as an economical boat for work or play or use finer grades of wood for a yacht finish if your budget, taste, and time allow.

"Frame construction detail at sheer". "Frame construction detail at chine".